Basic Rules of Procedure
Every model UN program or conference uses rules of procedure that have the following components. Each conference may have some variations, so ask your committee chairs to explain their rules of procedure before debate begins.
I. Points and Motions
Motions:
- for a moderated caucus, unmoderated caucus, or speaker’s list;
- to close debate on a resolution: Closure must be approved by the Chair, and two-thirds of the committee. 1-2 speakers in favor and 1-2 speakers opposed to the motion may speak. A vote on the resolution follows (yes, no, or abstain, unless a roll call vote is accepted by the committee-see below).
3. to table a resolution: must be approved by the Chair, and simple majority of the committee. 1-2 speakers in favor and 1-2 speakers opposed to the motion may speak.
Points.
1. Point of order: During the discussion of any matter, a member may rise to a point of order if the delegate wants to inform the Chair of a procedural error. A member may interrupt another speaker…
2. Appeal: A delegate may appeal against the ruling of the Chair on a point of order. After the Chair and the appealing delegate have spoken in defense of their positions, the appeal shall be put to an immediate vote. The Chair's ruling shall stand unless overruled by two-thirds of the members present and voting.
3.Point of parliamentary Inquiry: A member may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry when s/he has a question about some aspect of the rules. This is particularly important if a delegate has a question about what it is they are voting on. This point may not interrupt a speaker.
4.Point of Personal Privilege: A member may rise to a point of personal privilege in order to bring to the attention of the Chair some physical discomfort which is disrupting their ability to fully participate. The most common usages are if the delegate cannot hear what is going on. This point may interrupt the speaker.
5. If a speaker has impugned (offended in an extreme way) the personal or national integrity of another member, then the Chair may grant the member the right of reply at his/her discretion, and set a time limit accordingly. A right of reply may not interrupt a speaker. After the offending speaker has finished, the offended member would request the right of reply.
II. Procedures for Speaking:
A. Moderated Caucus: Anyone may speak if they raise their placard and are called on by the Chair. No motions can be made during a moderated caucus.
B. Unmoderated Caucus: In an unmoderated caucus, delegates meet informally with one another and the committee staff to discuss and negotiate draft resolutions, amendments and other issues.
C. Speakers' List—a list that determines the order in which delegates will speak. The chair will create a speakers' list by asking all delegates wishing to speak to raise their placards and calling on them one at a time.
D. Know your Yields!
If a delegate does not use all of his/her allotted time during formal debate, he/she may yield the remaining time in one of the following ways:
1. Yield to Questions:
The Chair selects the questioner. The speaker can choose NOT to accept any question asked.
2. Yield to Another Delegate: A delegate may yield his remaining time to another delegate. Delegates who have been yielded to may not yield to another delegate.
3. If the delegate wants, they can instead yield their remaining time to the Chair, and then sit down.
Note: An individual Chair may decide to allow 2 comments (from 2 other delegates) if the delegate does not yield.
Roll Call Voting Procedures
1, Delegates vote when the name of their nation is called by the chair
2. Voting Options
A .Pass, a delegate may refrain from voting when the list of nations is read for the first time
B. Yes, a delegate supports the resolution
C. No, a delegate opposes the resolution
D. Yes with Explanation, a delegate votes in support of a resolution and asks for the right to explain their vote after all the votes have been cast
E. No with Explanation, a delegate votes in opposition of a resolution and asks for the right to explain their vote after all the votes have been cast
F. Abstain, a delegate wishes to take no stand on the resolution, abstentions are counted as No votes
3. After the list of nations is called, all delegates who passed will now vote
4. After all delegates have voted, those delegates that said Yes with Explanation will now explain their vote
5. After all delegates have voted, those delegates that said No with Explanation will now explain their vote
6. After all Explanations have been given, the moderator asks if any one would like to change their vote except those nations that abstained, votes cannot be changed to Yes or No with Explanation
7. The final vote is tallied and the resolution passes if the number of Yes votes exceeds the combined number of No votes and Abstentions